DISCLAIMER: I do not own "Avatar"

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yeah, I know, it's been awhile. Sorry! Anyway, the present score in the Atraiu vs. Lock'tu battle is Atraiu: 13, Lock'tu: 7. I know there are a lot of people out there who are on Team Lock'tu are really sad about this, so, for them, this chapter will be completely about Lock'tu and Kana. Oh, and I have an announcement to make: I will be changing Kana's Ikran's name from Laysan to Tirea, which means spirit. I think it's more like the Omaticaya to give their Ikrans names that mean something. Sorry if that pissed anybody off. So, enjoy!

P.S. This will be in third person

CHAPTER 10

The wind hit Lock'tu's face, bringing the scents of Pandora to his keen and trained nose. He closed his eyes and inhaled, a smile spreading on his face. He sat in the thick canopy of one of the tallest trees her could find, looking out over the long and mighty Swok River. This was it. This was all he needed. Wait, that was a lie. He could use something else.

He opened his eyes as the thought of the one he was trying so hard to avoid. He was losing her, and he knew it. He heard a load groan next to him, and turned to face his loyal Ikran, Vrrtep. The black and dark green colored Ikran had always been a true and loyal companion, and whenever Lock'tu needed to clear his head, he did so on the back of Vrrtep.

"Thank you, my old friend, but I'm fine." Vrrtep looked at his master with a sideways glance, and Lock'tu knew what he was feeling without Tsahaylu. "Yeah, you're right, I'm not fine. I just can't face her right now. Not while Atraiu is taking in all the glory. She would only bypass me." Vrrtep rubbed his head against Lock'tu's leg, extending his own kind of comfort, and Lock'tu rubbed his scaly, large head with a smile. "But it's alright. It hasn't always been this way, and it won't always be. I remember when Kana and I were inseparable. I remember when we were one in the same...."

-888-

TWO SEASONS (YEARS) AGO

A young Kana crawled low on the heavily vegetated ground, her skin burning where the thick grass tickled her skin. She seemed to blend in with the ground, letting the shadows hide her obviously blue body and hide her from the eyes of the ioangs of the forest. She held her newly carved bow tightly in her right hand, loving the feel of the cool wood in her hand.

She finally came upon a small clearing where three yeriks were herding. Killing one would be a great honor for her first time, and she was determined to make her mother proud--for once.

She hid behind the dense foliage of a seze bush, hiding herself from view. She slowly drew an arrow from a quiver, and notched it to her bow, drawing back the string with a long, steady breath. Her arm quivered as she kept her eyes focused on a young, supple yerik. She was foolish to go after such a prize this early, but she was determined, by Eywa. Her muscles tensed as she waited for the release, her heart pounding in her chest at a thousand miles an hour. This would be the kill that would make her a hunter. This is what would give her her place in the olo'.

"Hey, Kana!" Suddenly, Lock'tu's young, smiling face appeared in front of her arrow. Kana jumped, screaming slightly, struggling not to release her arrow. All of the yeriks in the clearing heard her scream, and dissapeared into the brush.

"Fpi Eywa, Lock'tu! I could have killed you!" An infuriated Kana shouted in Lock'tu's face.

"Oh, not with that thing. Did you carve that bow yourself, K? Such a disappointment." Kana rolled her eyes, and pushed Lock'tu aside as she stepped into the clearing, looking around with a heavy look in her eyes.

"They're all gone! Do you have any idea how long it took me to track those three yeriks down?" Lock'tu obviously wasn't picking up her disappointment, and continued with the jokes.

"Well, it couldn't have taken that long, you still look as fresh as when I saw you this morning. A real hunt results in sweat, mud, and hair that isn't so...pristine." Lock'tu reached out to take one of Kana's beaded, steadily growing braids in his hand, but Kana snatched his hand away, a blazing fire in her eyes.

"I am serious, Lock'tu! This was my one chance!" Tears were starting to build in her eyes. "This was my one chance to make something of myself, and you ruined it!" She was sobbing now. Lock'tu could see now that his friend was truly hurt by what he did. Lock'tu slowly made his way towards Kana, his hands out-stretched. He carefully placed his hands firmly on her arms, pulling her shaking, sobbing form towards him. Kana never, ever cried, so he was slightly confused about how to continue.

"I'm so sorry, Kana. I wasn't trying to sabatoge you, or anything like that..."

"Oh, of course you weren't trying to, but it happened anyway, now didn't it?" said Kana, who was unknowingly allowing herself to be pulled into Lock'tu's embrace. Lock'tu put his large, calloused hands on each side of Kana's face, forcing her to look him in the eye.

"Kana. Tsawke." The flattering nickname caused Kana to look up into Lock'tu's golden eyes. "I really am sorry. I will make this up to you. But, I must say bringing home a yerik in it's prime will not earn you the respect of your mother, or a place in the olo'." Hurt flashed for a brief moment in Kana's eyes. Lock'tu quickly moved to continue. "You don't need that. You've proved yourself a strong hunter, expert weaver, and a faithful follower of Eywa multiple times. You have your place among the Omaticaya. Just being you."

Kana just stood there for a moment, the tears beginning to slow their flow from her eyes. Lock'tu's eyes betrayed such passion and such loyalty, that she thought she would lose herself in his gaze. And she would have if she didn't have to blink, braking the trance.

"Wow. You've been a tsamsiyu for, what, three months, and you're already wiser than Mo'at and Sayla combined." Kana smiled up at her old friend, and Lock'tu smiled back at her. He dropped his hands from her face, and took her hands in his.

"Come. I'll make it up to you." Kana didn't have time to object before she was dragged off in some unknown direction.

----

The sun was high in the sky, and the forest was a live and well. Pamtseowlls whispered to them as they passed by, singing to them. A collection of penghrraps shone a warm blue, signaling that there was no danger near. The Na'vi relied strongly on penghrraps, and put their lives in the hands of plants everyday, and they never let them down.

They had been walking for hours, it seemed, but Kana didn't mind. She loved the forest, and appreciated any chance she got to be immersed in it. But, finally, she thought to ask where they were going.

"You'll see." That was Lock'tu's only answer. She was starting to grow annoyed.

"Where exactly are you trying to take me, Lock'tu? To the Tree of Souls, because it doesn't take this long to get anywhere else but there..." Kana would have continued her rant, but Lock'tu stopped her.

"Shh. We're here."

Kana stopped in her tracks, and looked around, expecting to see something beautiful and amazing, but instead she saw nothing but hanging green vines. They surrounded her at every turn.

"Here being...?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Lock'tu stood behind her, his hands rested comfortably on her shoulders, and whispered in her ear.

"Close your eyes." Kana did just as she was told, and let herself be thrown into darkness. Lock'tu eased her forward with his hands, guiding her steps. She heard him move aside some of the vines, feeling them brush her skin as she walked through them. Suddenly, the sound of flowing water hit her ears. She was now anxious to see exactly where she was. She could feel Lock'tu's warm breath on her skin before he spoke.

"Open your eyes."

Kana's bright yellow eyes opened, and her breath caught in her throat at what she saw. A large, shallow pull full of clear, blueish green water laid out before her with a series of waterfalls falling into the pool, bringing it to life. The pool was surrounded by thick, green vines, hiding it from the outside world. The sun shone down in such a way that gave the pool a kind of halo. It was the most beautiful place Kana had ever seen.

"Oh, Lock'tu. This is just...lor." she said, breathless.

"Just like you." Kana turned to face Lock'tu, and blushed slightly when his eyes caught hers. A dense silence hung between them for a moment, until Lock'tu decided to break it.

"It's not just beautiful." he said with a wide smile. He sprinted over to the edge of the pool, and dipped his hand down into it, bringing up a handful of water. He drew his hand out towards her, the water dripping from his hand.

"Take the water, and put it to your face." Kana looked up at her old friend skeptically, than held out both of her hands, allowing him to poor the water into it. She brought her hands up to her face, and let the water flow over it. She leaned her head back, letting the water wash down her neck and back. There was a content, wonderful smile on her face that Lock'tu loved.

"It's so warm." said Kana. "Is there a hot spring under the pool?"

"Yes. You know how rare those are this far south."

"How did you find this place?" Kana asked in awe. Lock'tu shrugged, and sat down at the edge of the pool, letting his feet soak in the water.

"I was out on a solo scouting mission, and I stumbled upon this place. I know how much you love the water, and I thought a hot spring would be the perfect way to cheer you up." Lock'tu pushed himself off of the edge, and into the water. He cringed as the warmth consumed him up to his waist, but smiled once he became accustomed to it. He turned to Kana and smiled.

"Come on. I know you want to come in." Lock'tu teased. Kana stood on the shore, looking down at Lock'tu, a cute little half smile on her face. She layed her bow carefully on the cool grass, and her quiver along with it. She untied her carrying pack from around her waist, and dropped it to the ground. She slowly eased herself into the water, one leg after another, until she was consumed past her waist.

She sighed contently, leaning her head back to where the warm water seeped into her braids.

"This is great. Thank you, Lock'tu." Lock'tu shrugged, even though there was a large smile plastered on his face.

"I hope this serves as a peace between us for what happened earlier today." Kana frowned in mock sadness, and brushed her hands over the surface of the water, making small waves.

"I don't know. I'm still pretty mad."

"Pretty mad?" Lock'tu asked with a smile. Kana nodded her head. Lock'tu smiled her for a moment more, than sprang for her. Kana tried to get away, but Lock'tu was too quick. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and lifted her into the air than back down into the water. Kana laughed loudly as Lock'tu flung her around like a doll.

"Are you still pretty mad, Kana?" he asked with a giggle in his voice.

"Yes!" Kana laughed out. Lock'tu lifted her up again, and threw her down into the warm water. They both laughed as they played like they hadn't played in years. There were no parents, not rules, no traditions. Just them and Pandora. If only it could have stayed that way.

A low growl echoed through the valley that held the pool, pulling Kana and Lock'tu out of their fun. They're eyes widened, and their blood seemed to freeze as they caught sight of their new guest at the hot spring.

A palulukan, full grown and deadly, stood there, staring down at them. It was crouched low, a threatening gleam in it's eye. Kana and Lock'tu stood perfectly stilll, keeping their eyes on the predator. Lock'tu leaned down into the water, and drew a short hunting knife from a sheath on his thigh.

"Go." he whispered to Kana, his eyes still locked on the palulukan. Kana looked at Lock'tu, suprise and worry in her eyes.

"No. I won't leave you." Lock'tu grabbed Kana's forearm, and pushed her away roughly.

"Go, Kana! I'll be fine. Return to Hometree, and tell Taka to send a few scouts out this way with help. Hurry!" Kana jumped at the harshness in his voice. She looked at the palulukan, than back at Lock'tu. She backed away slowly, and pulled herself out of the pool, and took off through the forest.

Lock'tu stared into the cold, black eyes of the Eyktan Na'ring and knew in his heart that this was where he died. This was going to be the first and lasy battle of his life. They would call him 'eveng tsamsiyu who died fighting the Eyktan Na'ring. An honorable title to be given.

The palulukan growled low in his throat, preparing for the strike. Lock'tu's only regret was that he never told Kana what he felt for her. The beast let out a loud, blood chilling roar, issuing the challenge. Lock'tu built up all of the strength he had in him, and roared back. The palulukan prepared to pounce, and would have if he wasn't hit in the head by a large, fast moving rock.

The palulukan shook it's head, clearing it, struggling to focus it's eyes back on Lock'tu. The creature crouched down, preparing to strike once again, but was again hit in the head by a fast moving rock. Both Lock'tu and his opponent were very confused by now. Another rock came flying through the air, and hit the palulukan right on top of the head. It turned it's mighty head to look and see just who was stupid enough to threaten him when he's about take a kill.

Lock'tu craned his neck to look, as well, and was shocked, frightened, and impressed by what he saw. A good few feet away from them stood Kana, with an arm full of stones. She had one in her hand at the moment, her arm pulled back to make the release. The look in her wide, unblinking eyes let Lock'tu know that she was afraid, but you couldn't tell by just looking at her. Her legs were spread equally apart, balancing her, and she stood straight and tall; fearless like a warrior of old.

The palulukan just stared at her, probably as shocked as Lock'tu was. Kana would have none of that. She let her arm fly, and the stone hit the predator right between the eyes. Now he was pissed off.

The palulukan growled, than took off after Kana. Her eyes widened even more, and she dropped her stones and ran as fast as she could.

Lock'tu thought for a moment that his heart had stopped completely. A fear and pain that he had never experienced seized his entire body as he watched the palulukan go after Kana. His Kana. It was his job to protect her, ever since they were children, and if he failed... No. He wouldn't fail her. Not now, not ever.

Lock'tu quickly pulled himself out of the water, picking up Kana's bow, and her quiver, and took off after the two.

---

Kana had never run so fast and so hard in her life. Her skin stung at places where sharp branches had cut into her skin, but she didn't dare slow down. She could hear the palulukan breathing, he was so close. If she slowed down ever a bit, she would be dead.

The trees grew thicker in this area of the forest, making it harder to run, but easier to hide. Kana sped up to where the palulukan was falling behind, even if it was only by a little, and ducked behind the wide tangek of a tree, hiding her entire body. She sent a silent prayer up to Eywa, and waited.

Her breath hitched in her throat when she heard the loud, deep breaths of the palulukan drawing closer. It's steps were slow and calculating. He could smell her. Kana wanted to cry, but she knew that that would give away her position. She just closed her eyes and listened. The steady breaths came closer and closer, and Kana knew that the beast was on to her.

She felt the tears running down her face when she heard the predator directly behind her. But, suddenly, it was gone. She couldn't hear it at all. She turned slowly to look around the tree trunk, and found nothing there. She emitted a sigh of relief as she leaned back against the cool, damp wood. She had done it. She was safe.

Suddenly, the palulukan's face appeared directly next to her. Kana screamed, and fell back, tripping over a large root. She crawled backwards as the creature slowly moved towards her, almost mocking her. It was telling her that she was going to die now, and there was nothing she could do about it. Her back quickly came in contact with another tree, and she found herself cornered. The tears were flowing, but she didn't sob. What honor would that be to the palulukan if she cried in front of him before she died? No honor at all. She swallowed as the beast lowered it's mighty head to make the kill. He seemed almost gentle, caring. He knew that this little Na'vi girl was only defending her own. He would make it quick.

Kana heard the whizzing of the arrow before it made impact with the palulukan's skin. An arrow, one of her arrows, was logged in the right front leg of the beast. It backed up slightly from Kana, the shock of the pain over coming him.

Lock'tu notched another arrow to the bow, and let it fly, watching it hit a similar spot in it's other right front leg. The palulukan looked up, and into the eyes of the young warrior, and decided to save this fight for another day. It backed away slowly, than sprinted off through the brush.

Lock'tu was immediately by Kana's side, his eyes and hands covering her body, making sure she wasn't hurt.

"Are you alright?" he asked, out of breath. Kana put her hand to her wildly beating heart, struggling to steady her breathing.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. How about you?" Lock'tu chuckled even though there was still fear in his eyes.

"Nothing but a case of shot nerves. What were you thinking, Kana? You could have gotten yourself killed!"

"Well, you would have died if I hadn't come back! It would have taken me at least an hour to get to Hometree, and than another hour for the scouts to get back. I said that I wasn't leaving you, Lock'tu, and I meant it." There was a fierce and oh so Omaticaya look in her eyes that made Lock'tu smile.

"You know what Kana, I think you chose the wrong profession. The Vrrtep Tsamsiyus could use a warrior like you." Both Kana and Lock'tu laughed at this. Kana sat up straight, releasing all of the tenseness that had built up in her muscles. Lock'tu guessed that she was probably starving by now, and took a nikt'chey out of his pack, and handed it to Kana. She took it silently, and took a bite out of it. They just sat there for a moment, reflecting on their near death experience, pondering on whether they should tell their parents or not. They both decided not.

"So," Kana finally said. "does this make us even?"

Lock'tu thought about it for a moment, than shook his head no.

"Nah, I've got one up on you." Kana gaped at him, than pushed him slightly. Lock'tu stared at her for a moment, than pushed her back. Their laughter started softly, but, soon it grew loud and vigorous, filling the forest. Even after almost dying, they could still find something to laugh about.

-888-

Lock'tu smiled as the memory ended. He and Kana had been though so much together, building a relationship stronger than the eldest tree. She was already his in everything but name. She had to be. And he would be damned if he let all of that be ruined by some stranger from the sky.

Lock'tu stood, alerting Vrrtep. He mounted his loyal Ikran, quickly and easily making Tsahaylu, and instructed Vrrtep to take to the skies. He was going to win Kana back, or die trying.

AN: So, there you go! Long chapter, I know, but a fun one, right? This sheds even more light on Kana and Lock'tu's past, and hopefully brings some people over to his side. Please, R&R!!!!

Vrrtep: demon

Tsahaylu: the bond

ioang: beast

yerik: hexapede

seze: blue flower

olo': clan

Fpi Eywa: For the sake of Eywa; kind of a curse phrase like "For the love of God" or something

Tsawke: my sun

tsamsiyu: warrior

lor: beautiful

palulukan: thanator

Eyktan Na'ring: king of the forest

'eveng tsamsiyu: child warrior

tangek: trunk

Vrretp Tsamsiyus: The Demon Warriors; an elute team of warriors in the Omaticaya clan. My creation

nikt'chey: a type of snack

P.S. Just in case you were wondering, Lock'tu is two years older than Kana, just around Taka and Atraiu's age.